Motivational speakers provide us with encouragement, challenge us, and give us tools to make life a little better. Zig Ziglar has been in on the world stage for years. After learning about his death I found a quote that made me sit up and pay attention. Ziglar said, “Failure is not a dead end; it’s just a detour.”

It’s one thing when applying this philosophy to business and relationships, but does it apply to health and healing? Could we take this thought and see how it reflects the consciousness of illness?

I believe that Ziglar’s quote is a universal. How does it apply to being diagnosed with a chronic or life-threatening illness? Anyone diagnosed with a health challenge knows that treatment isn’t always smooth sailing. There may be times when something doesn’t work, or the body reverts to earlier stages of agitation creating a flare. These are the times when we have to create a world of possibility and hope so we can move forward.

The world of possibility and hope may require a change in medication. It could lead you to looking at complementary therapies. You may be inspired to go deep within and cultivate the emotional and spiritual realms of your life. Whatever choice you make just means that the destination may take a little longer.

I’m well aware that not everyone is cured. However, creating a world that is engaging, envelopes you with love, and has meaning is at the center of a good life. If every challenge were a dead end, following a diagnosis we’d simply wait for death. Working with individuals with life-threatening illnesses for over twenty years I know that’s not the norm. We’re used to detours in life. It requires us to establish where we are, and create a new route. It’s like when your GPS resets after you take a wrong turn. You get to your destination; it just takes a little longer.

You need to understand that this detour doesn’t come without frustration. It may leave you questioning life every day. Your faith may be tested. It’s your route to plan and execute